The Boston Red Sox are currently in the midst of a difficult stretch. While Alex Bregman’s performances have helped ease some of their troubles, it is merely a band-aid on a fracture. There are far too many issues plaguing the team early on in the 2025 campaign. Now, Alex Cora has just been handed a new problem to deal with.

A certain star named Rafael Devers, to be precise.

This isn’t the first time Devers has been in the mix of a Red Sox controversy in 2025. He was earlier involved in the 3B drama, also involving Alex Bregman. Unwilling to give his 3B position to the incoming $120M star at first, he reluctantly gave up his gloves to DH for the team. So, if reports are true, the 3-time All-Star is not too pleased with having to wear them again.

The Red Sox are currently without Triston Casas, who is expected to miss the rest of the 2025 season after rupturing his patellar tendon. When asked if Devers would be considered to replace him in the now vacant slot, Cora was firm in turning the suggestion down. Several names have since been proposed to take over from Casas. However, it appears that the Red Sox did indeed look for a solution from within. Devers was the first name they went to.

Unfortunately, Devers reportedly did not respond in the manner they expected. He did not take kindly to the request and is seemingly frustrated in particular with Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow, per Christopher Smith of MassLive.  The report claims Rafael Devers told Breslow to hit the market for a 1B. He also senses a certain betrayal from the team for not sticking to their words. Even after asking him to change positions this spring.

It will be interesting to see how Alex Cora diffuses this situation. He previously managed to bring Devers in line with the team’s demand regarding the 3B drama. His feelings on the situation, if not managed well, could lead to an implosion. With playoff dreams in the balance, Cora’s actions now could very well have long-term implications.

The Red Sox are exploring new frontiers

The Red Sox are reportedly considering placing Romy Gonzalez at first base, a move that underscores the team’s ongoing search for stability at the position. So, with regular options limited, Gonzalez could get a larger role this time. He is typically known for his versatility around the infield, and could find himself anchoring first base alongside Triple-A call-up Abraham Toro.

Well, this temporary arrangement highlights the Red Sox’s potential need to explore external solutions. Especially with trade deadline chatter already linking them to possible targets like the Orioles’ Ryan O’Hearn.

MLB insider Andrew Wright suggested that they could become sellers at the trade deadline. Because the Orioles are not expected to turn things around soon. The frontrunner here, according to Wright, is first baseman Ryan O’Hearn, who’s slated to become a free agent after the 2025 season.

For starters, O’Hearn has been a steady contributor in his platoon role with the Orioles. He is seen spending time at first base and designated hitter. Moreover, his strong performance, highlighted by a .304 BA and seven home runs, is the key reason he might be the one to get in trade talks.

Amid all this drama, one thing is clear: Rafael Devers won’t be at first base anytime soon. But the next few days will definitely see the team navigate its internal options. Let’s keep an eye on the trade market, while probably hoping for the best for Devers there!